Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers Approved by Senate
The 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill has passed through the third reading in the Senate, and it now carries the death sentence as a punishment for drug dealers nationwide.
On Thursday, the Senate convened a committee of the whole to go over a report from Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chairman of the Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters.
During a review of the penalty sections of the amendment bill intended to bolster the agency’s operations, Sen. Peter Nwebonyi, the Senate Chief Whip, brought up a suggested amendment to give drug traffickers a death sentence instead of only a life term. Under article 11.
The Nays appeared to be ahead in the voice vote. But when the issue came up for a second vote, the Deputy Senate President decided in favour of the proposal. There was a little fuss since some legislators were not happy.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced his disappointment at what he saw to be a hurried review and adoption of the modified clause.
Senator Oshiomhole objected to the decision being reversed, but the Deputy Senate President said it was against the law because it was made late.
In an attempt to reduce corruption and bribery and guarantee the independence of the court, the upper house also started reviewing the pay, allowances, and fringe perks of Nigerian judicial office holders.
The executive measure aiming at regulating the pay of judicial office holders at the federal and state levels scaled second reading on Thursday and is anticipated to end the protracted pay stagnation to reflect the present socioeconomic conditions.
Though the measure was approved by all, several legislators suggested that salaries and benefits for Nigerians working in other industries be examined equally in light of the current economic crisis.
The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters was then given the bill and asked to report back in four weeks.